By M S Nazki
There are those who study wars, and then there are those who live them. The real essence of a soldier cannot be captured in textbooks or discussed in war rooms—it is forged in the mud, fire, and relentless uncertainty of the battlefield. Such is the story of Lt. General Pratik Sharma, a man who began as a young officer in the infantry, often unaware of his exact location or the broader strategy, driven only by duty, discipline, and the will to survive while eliminating the enemy by any means necessary. That, in essence, is the spirit of a true infantryman. And that is how legends begin.
What began as a journey in Olive Greens for a young lieutenant, eager and resolute, has culminated in one of the highest appointments in the Indian Army. Today, Lt. General Pratik Sharma serves as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command, based in Udhampur—an apex role that commands immense responsibility in one of the most strategically sensitive theatres of the Indian subcontinent.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Lt. General Sharma’s distinguished career spans decades of service, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. He further honed his strategic acumen at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the prestigious National Defence College in New Delhi. Commissioned into the Madras Regiment in December 1987, his military path reflects not just progression through rank, but the evolution of a field soldier into a visionary leader.
With rich operational experience along the Line of Control, the General has commanded an Infantry Battalion, a Brigade, and a Division—each time demonstrating exceptional leadership under pressure. He has also commanded a Strike Corps in the Western Sector, proving his mettle in both defensive and offensive military operations. His vast experience includes vital staff and instructional appointments, including serving in a United Nations mission, and holding key positions in the Military Operations Directorate and Military Secretary Branch at Army Headquarters. Before assuming his current role, he served as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy)—positions that reflect the immense trust the Army places in his judgment and foresight.
Upon taking charge as GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt. General Pratik Sharma conveyed heartfelt greetings to all ranks and reiterated his unwavering commitment to further the exemplary legacy of his predecessors. He pledged to uphold the operational readiness and professional excellence that defines the Northern Command—India’s frontline against some of its most challenging adversaries.
In Lt. General Sharma, the Army has not just a commander, but a soldier who has risen through the ranks with humility, courage, and an unshakable resolve. His story is one of perseverance and valor, a testament to what the Indian Army stands for. From the trenches of battle to the commanding desk at Udhampur, Lt. General Pratik Sharma’s journey is an embodiment of dedication, duty, and the eternal spirit of the soldier.
In every sense, he is not just a great officer—he is a man of immense greatness, forged in fire and shaped by honor.
